We must tackle racism, say C of E evangelicals

Evangelicals in the Church of England are urging Christians to think more deeply about racial issues.

The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has launched a suite of video resources aimed at getting congregations to think biblically about how they can become more racially aware, sensitive and inclusive.

The main video – entitled ONE – features Jason Roach, of The Bridge Church, Battersea; Mark Murthen of St James’, Muswell Hill; Margot Knight, of Christ Church at All Saints, Wandsworth; Esther Prior, of St John’s Egham; and John Dunnett of All Saints, Woodford Wells.

One of the participants, Esther Prior, a woman of colour, says she was once told by someone who knew her well, and knew she had mixed-race children: ‘I don’t think mixed race people should exist – do you?’

The main video discusses issues such as anti-racism literature and systemic racism; individual responsibility; thinking Biblically and listening well; knowing history and theology; calling out injustice and raising up role models; and multi-ethnic congregations.

The President of CEEC, the Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson, said: ‘So much has happened in the news since the killing of George Floyd in the US last year that it would be too easy to forget the vital issues raised. Racial discrimination has no place in our church or the evangelical constituency. We want to weed out all forms of racism.’

Rev Lis Goddard, a CEEC member, commented: ‘Even today, with increasing racial diversity in the UK, many evangelical groups, events and organisations both within the Church of England and the wider evangelical community are monochrome in terms of ethnic colour. We need to work hard to change that.’

Rev Dr Jason Roach said: ‘The gospel impacts all of life. Churches should be beacons of racial integration and harmony and of unity amid ethnic diversity. This is a matter for all Christians to take seriously.’